Bullying Resources

On the surface, people may think this behavior is easy to define. To some, any negative behavior is bullying: one mean comment, one rude action. The truth of the matter is that bullying isn't easy to define, and every negative behavior isn't bullying.

The Definition of Bullying:

Intimidating, threatening, abusive, or harming conduct that is objectively offensive; AND

An actual or perceived imbalance of power exists between the student engaging in the prohibited conduct and the target of the prohibited conduct, and the conduct is repeated or forms a pattern; OR

Materially and substantially interferes with a student's educational opportunities or performance or ability to participate in school functions or activities or receive school benefits, services, or privileges.

Simply put, bullying is:

When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful and they keep doing it - even when you tell them to stop or show them that you're upset

Bullying is Not:

When someone says or does something unintentionally hurtful and they do it once - that's being rude

When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful and they do it once - that's being mean

When two students are in conflict (in conflict, children self-monitor their behavior and generally stop when they realize they are hurting someone)